Writings

[6190]

In vain until now I have awaited the help I implored in the difficulties in which I have been placed by Brown’s bankruptcy; but dear St Joseph never fails. I hope that the help will be granted to me by the Sacred Congregation; St Joseph is dealing with it.
However with a great deal of busy activity I have arranged my affairs in Cairo aided by the wise advice of the Reverend Jesuit Fathers, who have been so kind to me, although I am unworthy, and to my Work which is all God’s although it is arduous and laborious; and by the next post I will give you a detailed account.

[6191]

To my supreme pleasure, I found Egypt, which is the most important headquarters and the most opportune starting point for the Christian regeneration of almost half of all Africa, equipped with a new and most important institution which was lacking in this classic land, and which is indispensable for the needs of the class of noble, well-off ladies, that is: the pious Institute of the Dames de la Mère de Dieu, governed by a wise, sensible Superior and which is already wonderfully flourishing. It is located near my establishments and I have therefore visited it several times and was impressed. His Highness the Khedive has communicated his deep pleasure at seeing such a wonderful Institute come into being, and has enrolled an adopted daughter, whom he declared a princess, in it for her education. After having kissed my hand, although she is only 8 years old, she had the courage to tell me that she will work hard and do well: but when I blessed the noble young ladies kneeling in the hall, she was brave enough to remain standing.

[6192]

I also saw the Catholic daughter of the Jewish Blum Pasha, Minister of Finance, who told me he was pleased that a daughter of his should be a Catholic and educated by these Sisters. But the greatest praise of these Nuns, Dames of the Legion of Honour, was made to me by the Jesuits who direct them, and who told me that these Sisters were religious of the first order; I tell you all this to express to you my consolation that my Sisters, the Devout Mothers of Africa, are close to this worthy Institute, from whom they can only learn and have edifying and useful examples.

[6193]

I visited all the Ministers of the Khedive of Egypt, both Turkish and Jewish, and some of them returned my visit; and the most Excellent Baron di Schoeffer, the Resident Minister of his Apostolic Majesty gave me all the help necessary for my important expedition. The most cordial welcome came from His Highness the Khedive, my old acquaintance, who spoke to me for more than three quarters of an hour, had me served with a cigar and coffee, and expressed his fullest satisfaction that I should write and tell him about Central Africa (where he possesses a territory joined to Egypt which is 5 times as big as France, as the New Geography printed in Tours by Mame in 1880 points out: Cours spécial de Géographie pour l’enseignement primaire, page 242, and as I have always asserted). He also promised me:

[6194]

1. To write a warm recommendation to H.E. Raüf Pasha, the Governor General of the Egyptian Possessions of the Sudan in Khartoum, ordering him to protect the mission and me, and to help me wherever he can. I formerly had good relations with Raüf Pasha.
2. To order the Governor General himself to send a State steamship to fetch me in Berber (it is a stretch of about 300 miles with cataracts, which sometimes takes 20 days or even a month to cover).
3. To order the Minister of Finance to receive the Mission’s money in Cairo, and to have me paid by the Mudiria of Khartoum. This is a great advantage, because the mission will no longer need to depend on traders who practise usury to give bills of exchange to the mission to be paid by us in Cairo; the said Minister of Finance has already informed me of the orders received from above, and he will carry them out precisely.

[6195]

Finally, the fanatical Turk who is Minister of Foreign Affairs granted me a Firman so that my expedition would be assisted by all the authorities and proceed unhindered by any controls or payment of customs duties in Suakin and in Khartoum; and H.E. the President of the Council of Ministers and the Minister of the Interior, Riaz Pasha, a former acquaintance through matters concerning African geography, granted me another Firman for all the Governors of the Egyptian Monarchy, which extends as far as Lake Nyanza, and to its borders with the empire of Waday, with the order to protect the mission and me in every way; together with the faculty of bearing weapons and ammunition, etc., (which is usually forbidden), because, for example, in Jebel Nuba it is good to have weapons since the Baquara and Beduoin nomads are inclined to steal and to be disruptive, etc.

[6196]

I had decided to leave from Suez with the Rubattino which was supposed to leave that port on the 20th of this month of December. However, just as it failed on the 6th, so it was also absent on the 20th, because it left for Hassab Bay without coming anywhere near Suakin, with information that a steamship would sail for Suakin on 6th January. But, once bitten, twice shy, I therefore made up my mind to sail from Suez on the 31st with the Turkish steamer, which (thanks to the co-operation of a senior Turkish figure), reduced the price for 15 persons by 60%, and made me pay only a quarter of the price for the transportation of the 80 trunks which I am taking with me to Central Africa.

[6197]

I found Egypt in a better state than previously, governed more wisely and honestly than before. The current Khedive is a kind-hearted young man, with good intentions and honesty. If he lacks the intelligence and talent of his father or the first Khedive who is now in Rome, he also lacks the spite, the two-faced attitude and corruption of the latter, who did great good and evil in Egypt. He did great good; but his corruption was massive. He was a man full of virtue and sins. The Fellah is very pleased to pay once only, receiving the receipt, whereas before he paid several times for the same object, and was beaten: then if everyone stole in the previous administration, now not even a quarter are thieves.

[6198]

I have both seen and smelled the good the Jesuits are doing here in Cairo, I have visited their schools and seen the culture they give their followers, especially the Copts. According to my limited vision, the arrival of these grenadiers of the Catholic apostolate is a great blessing for Egypt. I have known Egypt for many years and am in touch with the highest Catholic, non-Catholic, the middle and the lower classes, and am very familiar with Freemasonry, the mud and the cream of Egypt. I was moved to see how, imperceptibly and with calm and discretion, they have sniffed and stuck their nose in everywhere, and know the wounds and the Egyptians’ situation very well indeed. They only have three priests with two scholastics and a few laymen: but they know everything and touch the weakness of a soul, of so and so, etc., and how well they have placed their pawns, to draw him to goodness, to God! Yesterday this Superior took me to Linant Pasha, a Catholic, who was minister of public works, etc. for 40 years, and whom I have known for 20 years, to prepare the ground, following his plan to get him to Confession, etc. He is 82 years old, has populated Egypt with children of all colours, taking great care to have them all baptised as soon as they were born, etc.

[6199]

He is a soul that the Jesuits will certainly succeed in saving. But in the meantime I have noticed:
1. That the Jesuits, despite the masonic lodges and the European scum that encumber Egypt, are highly esteemed by the masses, and even by the Turks and by all the Orientals.
2. That if they had a large temple or church where they were authorised to preach God’s word and to hear confessions, in a short time many would flock there to hear them, because in Egypt people are avid for the Word of God, and everyone would go to hear them. Instead, up to now they have a hall for a chapel.

[6200]

Forgive me, Most Eminent Prince, if I have addressed matters which do not appear to be my business. Egypt is the key to half Africa; and I am a humble and unworthy labourer of Africa and deeply concerned in the affairs of Jesus Christ and of the Church, especially African affairs. The interests of Central Africa, Abyssinia and the Gallas, in brief, the whole high plateau of Ethiopia, are closely linked to Egypt: I say religious interests; and I shall frequently prove this serious assertion.
In the meantime, I wish you a happy Christmas and New Year, and pray your kindness to present my greetings to the Holy Father, to Mgr the Secretary, etc., as I kiss your Sacred Purple and remain Your Eminence’s
most unworthy and obedient son,

+ Bishop Daniel Comboni

[6201]

In a few days I shall be visiting your church about which I am hearing mirabilia.
I really rejoice in this great work which is a glory of God and a new proof of your zeal. And as a reward for your efforts (in addition to that which you will certainly find in Heaven) I confirm my fatherly satisfaction with you. But I also confide to you that I felt even greater satisfaction in seeing and experiencing that the world is crammed with scoundrels who have slandered you to the utmost.

[6202]

However, I prudently never let you hear anything about it, waiting until they should show themselves false, as in fact happened, etc., etc., to their rotten shame, and without upsetting the peace of your noble heart which loves Africa like mine. I thus had another proof of the lack of credibility of saints who eat.
But furthermore, I do not want you to use this as an argument to become proud: homines sumus, and there is always time for us to swell up.
Rather pray to the Lord for them (as I do) and praise and thank God’s Justice in me. I am and always will be your Father.
I bless you and everyone.
Tuissimus

+ Daniel

[6203]

I am so tired that I can hardly breathe. The Greeks, and especially the Copts, and a thousands muddles and affairs, whose purpose is the glory of God etc., kept me busy all yesterday, and today, and the whole night writing and working. Yesterday morning Fr Bortolo left with Pimazzoni (who is a true missionary) for Suez, so that they can both embark on the Turkish steamer of the Khedive (the Rubattino has no fixed sailings, and doesn’t turn up, etc.): I shall leave tomorrow with the Sisters, priests and the rest of the caravan. This morning I baptised one of our fine little African boys in the Sisters’ chapel; he is very good and was taught by Dichtl and knows all Mgr Valerga’s catechism in Arabic and the history of the two testaments (Dichtl is very gifted and knows Arabic, with a rather poor pronunciation like all Germans), so that he can teach the catechism and preach, and I have now attached him to me completely, and to the various interests of God’s glory and Africa. Fr Giuseppe Ohrwalder is less gifted, a bit more daring, but good and attached to my mission to the point of death, and ready to die immediately.

[6204]

Fr Paolo Rosignoli, who is not very attached to the mission, not very keen on suffering and not virtuous, has stirred up all Cairo, Franciscans, Frères, Jesuits, and the Apostolic Visitor of the Copts, to beg me to take him with me to the Sudan. To tell the truth, I was determined not to want that, and I had prepared the exeat Document to send him to Rome: but he was half desperate and is resolved not to leave. Good Fr de Villeneuve came to see me several times, proposing the points and conditions on which I should accept him in the Sudan, with the renewal of the Oath he made in Rome to be renewed before me, and with a Charter of obligations by which he is obliged to arrange to have money sent by his family, should he of his own will wish to return, etc. (something suggested by Fr Bortolo).

[6205]

Fr Paolo accepts everything wholeheartedly etc. After thousands of things and circumstances which it would take too long to recount, I went to the Jesuits (Fr Villeneuve in particular, and Salzani) and having discussed and examined the points, with their advice, I have almost decided to take him with me and guide him. It is certain, as the above-mentioned good Jesuit Fathers noted, that there was a lot of exaggeration in the maligning of Fr Rosignoli; it is certain that he enjoys esteem with the Frères and the Franciscans, whom he visited often. Then Fr de Villeneuve had him do the Retreat, etc.; further, he heard Fr Paolo’s general confession and told me that I can take him with me, and be certain that the terrible and unjust trial he recently bore (because of that idiot Pennacchi; who did not even consult me first, although I am the only and sole superior of Rosignoli, and for this Propaganda criticised both Pennacchi and Cardinal Consolini who lets Pennacchi, who is on the other hand a pious and learned man, lead him by the nose), as well as the fear he felt after my arrival in Cairo when I threatened him with returning to Frascati, will serve as a big lesson and force him or inspire him to mend his ways, etc.

[6206]

Among the accusations that Fr Bortolo heard made by Fr Giulianelli (a fine administrator, holy, but not perceptive and constant enough to direct an Institute) was that he was worldly and ambitious because he had some perfumes like women. I made him open his two drawers, and found 8 small bottles of Scala Water in them; necessary things, which Don Bortolo sent to the Sisters many times, because they are good for convulsions. I told the Jesuits and they laughed, and said: take him and direct him yourself, and let’s hope he does some good. Then this morning I baptised the African boy and a young woman of 22 who lives in the house of our good and clever procurator, Giuseppe Sciaui (who sends best wishes to the teacher, Gagliardoni, Mgr. Steganini and Fr Bricolo).

[6207]

In secret, amongst many other things. The apostolate of Egypt is a monopoly of Franciscans who doggedly oppose anyone who is not a Franciscan from the Holy Land. I had to write again and again to obtain permission from the apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Ciurcia, to baptise the two. He did not allow me to lay the foundation stone of our chapel, lest a little church might come into being and be an excuse for the locals to come to it and attend Mass. He forbade bells, etc., etc. (and here we are surrounded by three Protestant churches that have bells, etc., etc.) I told the whole tale to Rev. Fr Salzani (who is a good and highly prudent person, the first after Fr Normand, Superior of the Jesuits of Syria and Egypt) and he told me that I must bring everything to Propaganda’s knowledge, and that it is high time to inform Rome of it all.

[6208]

But I am moving with caution. Nonetheless I made some agreements ad hoc with Fr Salzani, who made me promise to go with him to Syria, to come to an agreement with Fr Normand. I repeatedly refused, because I urgently need to go to the Sudan. So the Superior Fr Salzani telegraphed Fr Normand in Beirut, and he answered that he would be in Cairo on Sunday. But I am leaving tomorrow; and the post is leaving now; I will write from Suez if I have time. I shall write to the Most Eminent Cardinal, to the Father Superior and to Fr Luciano (I have heard the news of the death of his brother-in-law, I shall send my condolences from Suakin to his sister), etc.
Most affectionately,

Bishop Daniel

[6209]

In an hour (3.00 p.m.) on the 26th anniversary of my ordination in Trent, I shall be leaving here (close to the passage of the Pharaoh, etc.) for Suakin. We all greet you with affection, there are 16 of us.
In five days we will disembark at Suakin. I send my greetings to relatives, friends, etc., we are all well.
Your affectionate son,

+ Bishop Daniel

[6210]

In February 1879 two high-ranking Muslim pashas came to see me. I received them in my sitting room in Khartoum, while studying a very detailed article in your dictionary on Ethiopia and the corresponding articles Egypt, Abyssinia, etc. “Your Reverence”, said one of these, “you are always studying: your head is always bent over books”. “Yes, I am always studying”, I answered, “and I study your history, your wars, your follies and the persecutions you have always perpetrated against us Christians”. “Agiaib! (amazing!)”, replied these two great pashas, “and these wars are in that book?” “Yes”, I answered, “they are all there”.

[6211]

“For example here in Nubia: the people were Christian, there were Bishops, priests and monks; and you Mohmmedans killed them and oppressed them, etc., etc.” “Agiaib”, they said, “and all that is in this book?” “Yes” I said, “it’s all there; indeed here are the other books by the same author” (pointing to my small bookcase with all the 103 volumes and the 1st of the index). “Agiaib”, they added, “and who wrote this mountain of books?” “One man alone”, I answered. “Impossible”, they said, “no one could do that, not even our prophet (Mohammed); only God the greatest: Allahel aazim fagket”. “In fact it was one man alone”, I answered, “and he is my friend and is still alive”. “Still alive? Allah iataual ümroh (may God lengthen his life)”. “And do you know who he is?”, I said, “He is a certain Cavaliere Moroni”. “Ah, your brother Comboni”, said one of them (Moroni, Comboni). “No, Moroni is not my brother. Do you know who this great man is?” I continued, “he was the Pope’s chamberlain, his servant, an intimate friend of the great Pontiff Gregory XVI”. “Agiaib” answered the pashas beside themselves! “The servant of the Pope (Kaddam el Baba) wrote and drew from his mind this mountain of books?”

[6212]

“Yes” I answered, “He was the Pope’s servant”. “That man” added Hassan Pasha, “Ona scia Allah!! If the wisdom of the Pope’s servant has given birth to this mountain of books, what wisdom the Pope himself, his master must have?!! What mortal can approach the wisdom of your Pope? Amazing! (Agiaib), no one but God: not even the prophet! The Pope is the greatest and the wisest of mortals. None of our muftis (high priests) knows one thousandth of what the Pope’s servant knows. Only God can do this, etc.”.

[6213]

See then, dear Commendatore, what an impact your fabulous dictionary made on the minds of two great Turks. But that is enough. For my part, I say that the Index is worth its weight in gold: it is an honour for the one who compiled it and an honour also for the one who printed it. God will reward you for such a great service, both here on earth and in heaven above.
I beg you to pray fervently for me for I have a hundred million unbelievers in my Vicariate. Goodbye and believe in me. Pray for your
Most devoted and affectionate

+ Daniel Comboni
Bishop of Claudiopolis i.p.i.
and Vicar Apostolic of Central Africa